Ethmoidotomy System and Implantable Spacer Devices Having Therapeutic Substance Delivery Capability for Treatment of Paranasal Sinusitis

A sinus penetrator device useable for forming an opening in one or more paranasal sinus or ethmoid air cell, the device comprising:

• an elongate penetrator having a proximal end and a distal end;
• and
• a stopping mark or member which substantially limits the depth to which the penetrator can penetrate into the sinus or air cell.

A substance delivering spacer device that may be loaded with a therapeutic substance for delivery of the therapeutic substance, the device comprising:

• an elongate tubular shaft;
• an expandable reservoir on the shaft into which the therapeutic substance may be loaded, the reservoir having a substantially cylindrical side wall and tapered ends, openings being formed in the sidewall and tapered ends of the reservoir such that a therapeutic substance loaded into the reservoir will elute through the openings and out of the reservoir.

A method for treating sinusitis, the method comprising:

• placing an implantable device having a substance eluting reservoir within a paranasal sinus or within the ostium of a paranasal sinus;
• introducing a steroid into the substance eluting reservoir so that the steroid elutes from the reservoir in an amount that is effective to treat the sinusitis.